Blueprint to Business

Blueprint to Business

by Michael Alden
Released November 2017
Publisher(s): Wiley
ISBN: 9781119424925

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Book description

Essential reading for any would-be entrepreneur

Blueprint to Business is the ultimate guide to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Bestselling author and CEO Mike Alden puts aside the rainbows and sunshine, gets real about what it takes to 'make it,' and gives you the real-world guidance you need to hear. Through anecdotes and advice, he shares his experiences along with those of other top founders and entrepreneurs to give you a realistic picture of what it takes to build a business. It's a bit of tough love, a healthy dose of reality, and a tremendously motivating guide to striking out on your own; from motivation and commitment to business licenses and the IRS, this guide is your personal handbook for the biggest adventure of your career.

So you want to start a business: how much are you willing to commit in terms of time, money, and energy? How do you plan to bring in customers? What will set you apart from the crowd? What will convince clients to come to you rather than your competitor with an established track record? These questions must be answered before you even begin planning—and then, you have to make that canyon-sized leap from planning to doing. This book guides you through the early stages with practical advice from a real-world perspective.

  • Turn 'dreams' into goals, and goals into reality
  • Discover just what it takes to build a successful business
  • Dig into the paperwork and legal/regulatory requirements
  • Adjust your expectations to reflect your abilities and willingness to commit

Starting a business could be the best thing you've ever done—or it could be the worst. Mitigate the risk by setting yourself up for success from the very beginning with the invaluable advice in Blueprint to Business.

Praise for Blueprint to Business

"I've had the opportunity to work directly with Michael Alden on his children's book.  His business know how and ability to get things done is unparalleled.”

—Naren Aryal, CEO Mascot Books.

"As an entrepreneur and author myself, I would recommend Blueprint to Business to anyone who is in business or looking to start a company.  Michael Alden's no nonsense approach is much needed for anyone who wants the real truth about the life of an entrepreneur."

—Ken Kupchik, author of The Sales Survival Handbook Cold Calls, Commissions, and Caffeine Addiction The Real Truth About Life in Sales

"Michael Alden's story is truly inspirational. He has seen some extremely difficult times and has overcome extraordinary odds along his journey.  He harnessed what he learned even as a young child to achieve great business success.  The lessons in Blueprint to Business not only help those in business but it is for anyone who wants more out of life.”

—June Archer, author of YES! Every day can be a good day: The Keys to success that lead to an Amazing life

“As a young entrepreneur, I have found that truly successful people help and teach others.  Michael Alden has taken the time to help me with my business and my book.  His experience is undeniable and I would recommend Blueprint to Business to any entrepreneur who wants to learn from someone who has done great things and continues to.”

—Casey Adams, social media influencer and author of Rise of The Young: How To Turn Your Negative Situation Into A Positive Outcome, and Build A Successful Personal Brand

“Being an entrepreneur has its challenges.  Michael Alden shares his business experiences to help others succeed.  His advice and enthusiasm is directed towards teaching and leading through example.  If you are looking to succeed in business this book is a must read!

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Introduction
  4. CHAPTER 1: The Reality of Being an Entrepreneur
    1. DO IT AGAIN
    2. ONE BIG ORDER
    3. WHAT NEXT?
    4. WHAT ALLOWS ME TO SLEEP AT NIGHT
    5. WHO GETS PAID?
  5. CHAPTER 2: Getting Started
    1. IS AN IDEA A BUSINESS?
    2. DON'T JUMP COMPLETELY IN
    3. YOU CAN BE PART-TIME AND PASSIONATE
    4. ELF ON A SHELF
    5. WAKE UP
    6. GREAT IDEA, BUT…
    7. DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB
  6. CHAPTER 3: Business Basics
    1. PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS
    2. NAMING YOUR BUSINESS
    3. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
    4. IT'S THE BORING STUFF THAT MATTERS
    5. PATENTS
    6. A BOTTLE IS JUST A BOTTLE, RIGHT?
    7. WE'RE JUST MAKING MUSIC
    8. WHAT ABOUT YOUR NAME?
    9. WHAT ABOUT MY WEBSITE?
    10. AN IDEA—WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
    11. ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT THIS?
  7. CHAPTER 4: Action
    1. DUMPSTER DIVING
    2. THE PROCESS
    3. NEVER PREQUALIFY
    4. WELL, I DIDN'T PREQUALIFY AND I WASTED MY TIME
    5. BLUE COLLAR GUYS HAVE MORE MONEY THAN YOU
    6. SCRIPTS WORK, TRUST THE PROCESS
  8. CHAPTER 5: To Know and Not to Do
  9. CHAPTER 6: What Is Success?
    1. EVERYTHING I TOUCH TURNS TO GOLD
    2. IS ALDEN ESSENTIAL?
    3. FAILURE ISN'T FAILURE
    4. WINNING THE LOTTO DOESN'T MAKE YOU A SUCCESS
  10. CHAPTER 7: Opportunity
    1. HOW TO SCREW THINGS UP
    2. WHAT I LEARNED FROM 1-800-FLOWERS
    3. LOSING ONE DEAL MAY LEAD TO ANOTHER
    4. MORE THAN YOU GET PAID FOR
  11. CHAPTER 8: Failure
    1. GRADUATE LAW SCHOOL AND DON'T TAKE THE BAR EXAM? REALLY?
  12. CHAPTER 9: Do What You Say
    1. IN BUSINESS
    2. HOW NOT TO OVERPROMISE AND UNDERPERFORM
    3. IN PERSONAL LIFE
    4. PARENTS, STOP OVERPROMISING!
    5. SPOUSES
    6. BACK TO BUSINESS
    7. THE VALUE OF CONNECTION CAPITAL
    8. A LITTLE MORE ON DEBT
    9. IF THINGS GO SOUTH
    10. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO SAY “WHAT THE FUCK”
    11. JUST DO IT
    12. I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS AFTER SCHOOL
    13. CAN'T DO IT ALL YOURSELF
    14. TALK WITH YOUR FRIENDS
    15. IT'S NOT A DEAL UNTIL THE CAR DRIVES OFF THE LOT
  13. CHAPTER 10: Making Money Doing Nothing
    1. TRY THIS: IT WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND
    2. LET'S TALK A LITTLE MARKETING
    3. LET'S TALK LOCAL
    4. STORIES SELL, NOT PRODUCTS
    5. LET'S BUY A LITTLE INSURANCE
    6. JOINT PAIN
    7. PEOPLE, PRODUCT, PROCESS
    8. THE CUSTOMER
  14. CHAPTER 11: Stop Caring
    1. REALITY
    2. CARING IN BUSINESS
    3. NEVER SECOND-GUESS YOURSELF
    4. I MAKE CANDY—I'M NOT A FRAUD
    5. FOCUS ON YOU
    6. FOCUS ON YOUR WORLD
    7. WHAT ABOUT ADVERSARIES?
  15. CHAPTER 12: Lying to Our Children
    1. ARE YOU HURT OR INJURED?
    2. IT'S OKAY TO KEEP SCORE
    3. STOP REACHING FOR THE STARS, UNLESS…
    4. EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE A BEAST UNTIL THEY SEE WHAT BEASTS DO
    5. BUSINESS AIN'T SEXY
    6. LET'S WRAP WITH UP WITH SOME RED BULL AND EMORY VODKA
  16. More Resources
    1. WOULD YOU LIKE MICHAEL TO HELP YOUR TEAM REACH THE NEXT LEVEL OF SUCCESS?
    2. OTHER BEST-SELLING BOOKS BY MICHAEL ALDEN
  17. Index
  18. End User License Agreement

Product information

  • Title: Blueprint to Business
  • Author(s): Michael Alden
  • Release date: November 2017
  • Publisher(s): Wiley
  • ISBN: 9781119424925